After sorting through years of miscommunication, the Hillsdale College Student Federation discovered $78,000 in the bank instead of their usual $25,000 budget.
Senior Chelsea Goodale, Student Fed treasurer, explained that this extra money is roll-over funds from previous years.
“Each semester, we are given a certain amount from student fees,” Goodale said. “A lot of the money covers fixed expenses—such as The Collegian or the student planners—and what is left over is for clubs or organizations.”
Amanda Bigney, director of student activities, explained that Goodale does not have direct access to the Student Fed bank account. Instead, she keeps track of all checks that go in or out of the account on a spreadsheet.
According to Bigney, the money is replenished at the end of each semester, and the current Student Fed treasurer is at the time begins their balancing once again.
This is where the confusion occurred. Money that was not spent remained in the account, but because $25,000 of discretionary funds was more than enough to meet the needs of campus clubs and organizations, no one asked exactly how much money was in the Student Fed account, Goodale said.
“We didn’t ask the right questions,” Goodale said.
Senior David Wilhelmsen, Student Fed president, said he was the first to try and find out exactly how much money they had when he became treasurer in first semester of 2012.
“I was the first to go actually ask,” Wilhelmsen said. “As long as the check cleared and we had enough money, nobody checked.”
It took Student Fed all of last year and the summer to finally figure out exactly how much money had been rolling over. The number? $78,389.21.
Student Fed has been able to pay all their fixed expenditures, and it left that sum of money to be used by the students.
Goodale said she spoke with Diane Philipp, dean of women, and asked what improvements to campus could be made that would not clash with planned projects.
“I had a conversation with Rich Péwé,” Philipp said. “He is making his ‘wish list’ with a rough estimate of the costs to give to Student Fed.”
Philipp added that although they could propose ideas, they want students to select what they think would benefit the student body.
Bigney echoed Philipp’s opinion.
“This is for the students to use toward noble, good things that serve campus,” Bigney said. “Now that we have it, let’s think of ways to leave a lasting legacy.”
Bigney said Student Fed’s new mentality when clubs ask for money should be, “Why not?”
Students on campus have numerous opinions on what Student Fed should do with their surplus.
“Air conditioning, so many dorms do not have it—Galloway, Niedfelt, Koon,” sophomore Valerie Oresko said, “It is hot and it’s humid. Some students want to study in the privacy and quiet of their own dorm rooms, but they can’t because they are going to die of heat stroke.”
Sophomore William Miles suggested the money go to Student Activities Board for Centralhallapalooza.
“Put a bar in the union, or a big ole statue of me in the middle of the quad to screw with the Frisbee people,” senior Paul Chirdon suggested.
Junior Allison Anderson wants administration to pay security so at least one building on campus can be open around the clock.
“We already have everything I want,” senior Jasmine Noman said. “The Xboxes are back and there are fireplaces in the union.”
Wilhelmsen encouraged the study body to email him if they have any ideas regarding what Student Fed should do with the money. He mentioned that another email will be going out, asking students what capital improvements they want. He also said clubs and organizations should come and ask Student Fed for money.
“We don’t necessarily want to spend it all,” Wilhelmsen said. “But if we can find a project to benefit students, let’s go for it.”
